Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panorama Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the city wall, the Red Tower was part of the medieval fortifications of Uus-Pärnu and served as the city prison for many years. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic town of Uus-Pärnu and the oldest surviving building in Pärnu. Since the end of 2020, the Red Tower has housed a branch complementing the permanent exhibition of Pärnu Museum, presenting the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. On the tower’s attic floor, a 10-minute animated film about the history of the area, “A Merciless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower,” is shown in a modern circular panorama cinema. The film centres on the view from the viewer’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. We see geographical changes at the site of the city and its development, and find ourselves amid exciting historical events. The ticket includes a screening in the circular panorama cinema and, if desired, a brief introduction to the history of the Red Tower by a museum staff member.

http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE THAT...

... The courtyard of the Red Tower is accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. From the open gate you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower—please come in.

... Only a limited number of people can fit in the small tower at one time. Therefore, a purchased ticket allows you to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

... If more than 10 people plan to visit the tower at the same time, please contact us in advance. To ensure that the fascinating stories of the Red Tower are not overlooked, we recommend that groups also book a visit programme.

... The architecture of the medieval tower imposes significant accessibility limitations. Before buying a ticket, we recommend making sure that the narrow, steep stairs and high thresholds will not prevent you from visiting the Red Tower.

Contact us: visit@pernau.ee, +372 443 3488 (during the tower’s opening hours)